Introduction
Hoodlum offers premier film fixer services in Cape Verde, delivering all-encompassing support to international production teams. With deep local knowledge and hands-on experience, we manage every detail of your production, from visa assistance and film permits to location scouting, crew assembly, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, still photography, and post-production services.
Cape Verde’s stunning landscapes—from pristine beaches and rugged mountains to charming villages and vibrant cities—offer a diverse range of settings for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.
Planning a shoot in Cape Verde? Hoodlum takes care of all logistics—securing permits, managing visas, coordinating equipment rentals, booking flights and accommodations, organizing local transport, and overseeing post-production—allowing you to focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today to ensure a smooth, successful, and visually captivating production in Cape Verde.
Country Overview
Cape Verde offers a wide array of filming locations, from the lively streets of Praia to the untouched landscapes of its islands. The country’s terrain features beaches, rugged mountains, vast deserts, and villages, providing a range of settings for various types of productions.
The island coastlines and port towns, are ideal for documentary and commercial shoots, while the mountainous regions and lush valleys offer backdrops for adventure and nature-focused projects.
For urban-themed productions, Praia’s unique blend of colonial architecture and modern cityscapes offers a striking contrast, highlighting Cape Verde’s rich heritage and development. The rural villages, with their traditional homes and local culture, present an authentic glimpse into the islanders’ daily lives.
With its combination of varied landscapes, historical charm, and natural beauty, Cape Verde stands as an exceptional destination for filmmakers and photographers seeking diverse backdrops for their projects.
Bordering Countries:
Shares maritime borders with Gambia, Guines – Bissau, Mauritania, and Senegal.
Main Cities:
- Praia – The capital and largest city, located on the island of Santiago.
- Mindelo – The second-largest city, located on the island of São Vicente
- Assomada – A town on Santiago Island, known for its central location and local market.
- Santa Maria – Located on the island of Sal, famous for its beaches and tourism.
- São Filipe – A city on the island of Fogo
- Porto Novo – Situated on the island of Santo Antão
Local Languages:
Portuguese (the official language)
Local Currency:
Cape Verdean Escudo
Best time to film:
Cape Verde is a fantastic tropical filming destination, offering long, uninterrupted sunshine. While the winds pick up and temperatures dip slightly at the start of winter, the overall climate remains pleasant. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with September being the wettest month. This makes Cape Verde an ideal location for filming, especially during the dry season when conditions are most favourable.
Visa Requirements
General Requirements:
As of January 2019, citizens of 61 countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days in Cape Verde. However, an online declaration is still required a few days before arrival via the EASE form. An Airport Security fee must also be paid.
Required Documentation for Application:
- Valid Passport
- Passport photo of each crew member
- Completed E.A.S.E. form
- Production company profile on company letterhead, including company registration details
- Synopsis of the shoot/filming
- Detailed list of equipment entering Cape Verde, including serial numbers
- Vaccination Card & Yellow Fever certificate
Processing Time:
Immediate
Cost:
$40 *subject to change
Visa Application Link:
International crew accreditation
International crew accreditation is not required in Cape Verde. The only documentation needed for application includes a film permit and passport copies of each crew member. There are no specific processing times or associated costs for accreditation.
General Film Permit
Issuing Organization:
The film permits in Cape Verde are issued by the Department of the Ministry of Culture.
Processing Time:
The permit application process typically takes 15 to 20 working days.
Required Documentation:
To apply, you need to submit:
- A letter addressed to the DGCS (Direção Geral da Comunicação Social), stating the purpose of the filming, the locations (island, city, and filming dates), and including the full details of the local crew members in Cape Verde.
- A copy of each crew member’s passport.
- A detailed list of equipment entering Cape Verde, including serial numbers.
Cost:
The cost for the film permit ranges from $270 to $55 *subject to change
Private Locations
General Process:
The fixer will handle negotiations directly with the private owner.
Cost:
The cost will be negotiated between the fixer and the private owner.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Carnet Country:
Cape Verde is not a Carnet country.
General Process for Non-Carnet Country:
In non-Carnet countries, a Temporary Import Permit is typically required, which involves obtaining a permit or guarantee from the customs authority, often with the assistance of a clearing agent or local contact.
Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance:
- A letter addressed to the DGCS (Direção Geral da Comunicação Social), stating the purpose of the filming, the locations (island, city, and filming dates), and including the full details of the local crew members in Cape Verde.
- A copy of each crew member’s passport.
- A detailed list of equipment entering Cape Verde, along with serial numbers.
Issuing Organization:
The DGCS (Department of Ministry & Culture) issues the equipment customs clearance.
Processing Time:
The process typically takes 15 to 20 business days.
Cost:
The cost is 20% of the value of the equipment.
Safety and Security
General Overview of Safety in the Country
Cape Verde is a generally safe and stable destination, though, like in most places, petty crime can occur. It is recommended to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Type of Security Required
Security arrangements for production should be coordinated through the Ministry of Culture & Ministry of the Interior. Particularly when filming in rural areas or sensitive locations. Additionally, producers may need to hire private security companies to ensure the safety of the crew.
